September 7, 1876: Northfield Citizens Repel Jesse James Gang in Failed Bank Raid

In September 1876, the infamous James–Younger Gang, led by Jesse James and his brother Frank, set their sights on the First National Bank of Northfield, Minnesota. The gang, already notorious for a string of daring robberies across the Midwest, believed the bank held a large sum of money from a milling company. On September 7, eight members of the gang rode into town in broad daylight, with some entering the bank while others stood guard outside. Their plan quickly unraveled, however, when the townspeople noticed the suspicious activity. Inside, the bank employees resisted the robbers’ demands, stalling for time, while outside, locals began to arm themselves.

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What followed was a violent shootout in the streets of Northfield. Citizens, armed with rifles and shotguns, opened fire on the gang, determined not to let their town be plundered. Two townspeople were killed in the exchange, but the townsfolk managed to kill two gang members and severely wound several others. The surviving outlaws fled, splitting into smaller groups to evade capture, but most of the Younger brothers were eventually caught. Only Jesse and Frank James escaped to continue their criminal careers. The failed Northfield raid became one of the most famous turning points in Wild West outlaw history, symbolizing how ordinary citizens could stand against feared bandits and effectively end the reign of one of America’s most notorious gangs.

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